13 Jun 2016

Pugg pick up second U.S. Open after penalties success

Team Pugg edged a thrilling final to claim silverware in Oceanfront, Virginia Beach at the weekend.

Team Pugg claimed the U.S Open at the North American Sand Soccer Championships on Sunday with a dramatic sudden death penalty win over FBS FC.

The finale offered a fitting end to a thrilling few days of beach soccer action that saw impressive crowds flock to Oceanfront for both the U.S. Open as well as dozens of other male and female events across various age groups.

Pugg were relatively slow burners to begin with in the tournament and were actually beaten by FBS in the group stage, while taking six points from Portland BSC and McLean BSC.

But, having progressed through the group stage, Pugg gradually clicked into top gear and progressed past HRSC Elite 10-3 in the quarter-finals before taking on Costa Rica’s national team for a place in the final.

A 4-2 win was enough to set up a rematch against FBS – the Brazil-inspired team from Florida having ended the defence of former champions Barcelona in the other semi.

In what proved an enthralling end to the tournament in Virginia Beach, the sides needed sudden death penalties to be separated after FBS levelled matters late into the third period

Pugg recovered to eventually run out 6-5 winners, having been level after three periods of play and the initial round of penalties.

A second U.S. Open title duly returned home with Pugg, while former champions Barca were forced to settle for third place after moving past Costa Rica 8-3.